Drug lab found after $350k cocaine bust: NSW Police
Police said they uncovered a large stash of cocaine and that their subsequent investigation led to a homemade drug lab being dismantled in western Sydney.
Fairfield
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Two men presented to Fairfield Local Court on January 15 after police charged them with supplying a commercial quantity of drugs.
Devante Phabmixay, a 25-year-old from Guildford, and Phanna Lao, a 20-year-old from Canley Heights, were allegedly in possession of 1kg of cocaine when they were arrested. Police said it would be worth more than $350,000 on the streets.
The two men remain in custody following their hearing. Phabmixay did not apply for bail, while Lao had his bail application refused.
Fairfield Police officers noticed the men in the carpark of a hotel on Canley Vale Road, Canley Heights, during a routine patrol at 11.40am on January 14.
Police said they searched their vehicle, a Toyota Camry, and found a backpack containing 1.072kg of cocaine.
After taking the men to Fairfield Police Command, officers said their inquiries led them to a property at Chipping Norton.
When they executed a search warrant, police allege they found a clandestine drug lab, and a “large amount of drug paraphernalia and chemicals”.
Specialist forensic officers — the Chemical Operations Unit from the Drug and Firearm Squad — attended the crime scene and dismantled the clandestine lab.
Police then executed another search warrant at a property on Spencer St, Fairfield, at about 9pm. Officers found methamphetamine, cocaine, cash, ammunition and an extendible baton.
The items have been seized and are being forensically examined.
Both men were charged with supply prohibited drug - large commercial quantity, while Phabmixay was charged with two additional counts of possess prohibited drug. It is alleged he had 1 gram of cocaine and 1 gram of MDMA.
The two men will return to Fairfield Local Court next month. Lao will present on February 26, while Phabmixay will present on February 27.